Temperatures outside may be cold, but these books will warm the hearts of any reader. Grab a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and a good book while you journey through the winter months.
Winter Dance
By Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by Richard Jones. Best for ages 6+
All of the animals are getting ready for the upcoming snowfall, but Fox is unsure of what he should do to prepare. Each animal gives Fox advice, but none of it seems right until he meets a special friend who helps him figure out a plan.
Owl Moon
By Jane Yolen; illustrated by John Schoenherr. Best for ages 6+
Take a walk in a snowy forest with the main character and her father as they look for owls. The beautiful illustrations make us feel as though we are there in the forest with them. This story is about more than owls — it is about the relationship between a girl and her father along with the memories they share.
The Big Snow
By Berta and Elmer Hader. Best for ages 6+
A “living book” is one where children learn about a subject through a story and not just dry facts. The Big Snow features woodland animals preparing for a big snowstorm, and children learn about the habits of animals through the narrative. This charming book won the Caldecott Medal in 1949.
Terrible Storm
By Carol Otis Hurst; illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Best for ages 6+
An introvert and an extrovert get stuck during a huge snow storm. The introvert gets snowed in with a large group of people while the extrovert is snowed in alone. This humorous book will have everyone giggling at the irony that unfolds throughout it.
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Katy and the Big Snow
By Virginia Lee Burton. Best for ages 6+
Katy is a snowplow who gets her big chance to shine when a blizzard hits and the other snowplows are unable to do the job. Children will love not only the story, but also the illustrations that border each page.
The Mitten
By Jan Brett. Best for ages 6+
When a white mitten is dropped in the snow and is perfectly camouflaged, all of the woodland creatures take a turn crawling into it. Children will giggle at the illustrations showing the animals stuffed inside the small mitten. Will a sneeze end their fun? You’ll have to read it to find out!
The Long Winter
By Laura Ingalls Wilder. Best for ages 6+
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s own life experiences, this book tells the story of the winter a blizzard hit a town in the Dakota Territory. With snowdrifts reaching over the tops of roofs, the town begins to run low on food and supplies. What will it take to save the town?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
By C.S. Lewis. Best for ages 6+
Four children in England find a magical world in the back of a wardrobe. Narnia is under the spell of an evil witch who has made it winter all year round. After meeting a lion named Aslan, the four siblings learn a lesson about the true meaning of sacrifice and love.
Snowflake Bentley
By Jacqueline Briggs Martin; illustrated by Mary Azarian. Best for ages 8+
Based on the true story of Wilson Bentley, this book chronicles Bentley’s life and fascination with snowflakes. This Caldecott Medal winner features beautiful illustrations and will leave your children wanting to examine snowflakes under their own microscopes!
I Survived: The Children’s Blizzard, 1888
By Lauren Tarshis. Best for ages 9+
Based on a true story, this book recounts the blizzard of 1888, which remains one of the deadliest storms in American history. Trapped schoolchildren decided to brave the elements and walk home, only to be caught in the freezing temperatures. Due the grave subject matter, this is a book for older children.